Mug Rug Swap - Celebrate the Olympics

When I decided to participate in this mug rug swap organized by Mishka from QuiltingGallery I haven't realized how much fun I have. The patterns are designed by Amanda from The Patchsmith.
Receiving a mail with partner I wrote immediately an e-mail to understand if she has some special requirements.
My partner is Elisa from Italy. She has a blog  Dilanaedilino.
Looking at the tings she had create I have chosen the fabrics for the mug rugs.
I like the idea of Russian Doll - Matryoshka very much.
I know Russian very well  and Rushian culture is close to me. I have many vintage fabrics from Russia, too.
That's why I began with this mug rug.
Russian national costumes has a plenty of embroidered bands, so I embellished the mug rug with a woven band instead of second line of squares.

Do you see what is the hair of the Matryoshka?
This is my another tribute to the mug rug pattern.

When I was a little child my father went to Rushia for one month to work.
I want to have a big doll that could cry, saying "Mum" when someone pushes her stomach and has a long blond hair that could be combed.

So here are some little tricks how I have made the hair.
All you need is about 6 inches yellow DMC threads, some light brown and ochre threads and colorless nail polish.
Cut  all threads with length of about 1.5 inches.

 

After you have finished with applique of the doll place the thread on the front head and stitch 3-4 stitches forward and backstitch.

Pull out the threads from the back side and tie for secure.

 At the end - Very IMPORTANT!
"Paint" the seam with the nail polish brush to fix all the threads firmly. Some of them are so tiny and could be torn when wash the mug rug.
Cut the longest threads and make a hairstyle you desire.

Was it funny?
Oh, forget to share the label on the back.

Although I have designed and made many mug rugs for my SHOP I tried a new way for binding, described by Amanda on her site. Thanks!

Tomorrow I will show the next mug rug.